Michael accepted an invitation recently to speak to sixth-formers at The Skinners School on Globalisation, looking at the benefits, drawbacks and consequences and drawing on past business experience, but the debate soon widened with questions from the floor.
Michael said: “I really enjoy these events. The questions from the students are probing and often quite thought-provoking. It was a good afternoon. The Skinners School looked impressive in all ways.”
Michael visited the school and met Mrs McGarrigle, Headteacher together with representatives from Swanley Town Council. The school has been trying to tackle issues of antisocial behaviour coming from the recreation grounds which back onto the School. Swanley Town Council has provided funding for some CCTV cameras and helped to repair a boundary fence.
Michael said: “I was delighted to be able to return to St Mary’s School and meet Mrs McGarrigle and her team. I’m really impressed with the way the Town Council has come forward to provide support and assistance in this particular instance. The school needs reassurance that the students are in a safe and secure environment and the Town Council has been able to assist.”
Michael presented certificates to 17 members of staff at Sevenoaks District Council who had recently completed an innovative management development programme, designed jointly by SDC and Passe-Partout. This had covered a whole range of subject areas which are normally unfamiliar to much of local government.
All senior managers, including the Chief Executive, have had to complete 36 different modules. More detail about this special programme can be found here.
The District Council has now started a second course which has been attended by the voluntary sector, Sevenoaks Town, parish councils and other local authorities.
Michael received a warm welcome from the CPO Jan Dean, colleagues and cadets when he toured TS Gallant in Westerham. Various workshops were being held throughout the building covering all aspects of seamanship, chart work, engineering, first aid, catering and communication information systems.
There was an impressive drill rehearsal in preparation for a forthcoming competition on HMS Raleigh.
The unit is extremely active and flourishing. 17 cadets and 6 staff had recently travelled to Malta for a week long cultural trip and including a Memorial Day to HSM Gallant,
The summer months will be particularly busy with many outdoor activities.
Learn much more about Westerham Sea Cadets here.
You may recall the ‘Google comes to Sevenoaks – Getting British Business Online’ event that Michael hosted at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks in April 2014.
Michael is hosting another Google event on Friday 20th March from 3 – 5pm at the Stag Theatre.
This workshop is to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain the necessary skills to get the most out of their digital marketing and boost their online presence.
A Google expert with deliver a presentation, followed by a break-out session where Google staff will be on hand to give 1 : 1 consultations, tips, guidance and practical advice on the effective use of Google tools.
This session is free and will be open to all who book a place in advance. You can find further details here.
Michael has welcomed the Government’s announcement that £50 million of funding will be released from the Department for Transport to ensure free wi-fi is available on selected services from 2017, including those offered by Southeastern.
Michael Fallon said: “I know Sevenoaks commuters would welcome this facility. I have written to the Chief Executive of Southeastern, David Statham, to consider putting free wi-fi on our services. It would be a welcome recompense for all the disruption being suffered as a result of the redevelopment at London Bridge station.”
Michael met staff and volunteers at the High Street shop today. Here are a few of British Heart Foundation’s interesting statistics for their base in Sevenoaks:
Around the south-east BHF – Sevenoaks has helped to fund
Thanks must go for some incredibly hard work over the last 2 years by all members of the local community who have been involved in the Underriver project, The village is now enjoying the benefits of amazing superfast fibre broadband which has been provided by Gigaclear. Also to be congratulated are the District and Kent County Council officers who have helped to enable this to be rolled out so efficiently and satisfactorily. The project is now going further afield to neighbouring villages in the area.
This is a real boost for businesses and residents in this area – originally one of the rural pockets which was having great difficulty with connectivity. Great news!
Network Rail have written to Michael Fallon MP following his visit to London Bridge Station to confirm that they will be acting on several changes which he has been calling for. Michael said:
“Following my deep concerns about capacity on platforms 1 and 2, Network Rail have assured me that they will be demolishing two of the buildings on the platforms to make extra room for passengers. Additionally, they have extended the canopy on platform 1 to encourage passengers to use the full length of the platform.
“Changes to passenger information have also been put in place with additional information screens installed.
“I welcome Network Rail acting after my visit and I will be continuing to monitor the situation at London Bridge very closely.”
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9th January 2015
Michael met managers from Network Rail today to discuss commuters concerns regarding the London Bridge Station closure and the proposed new Otford railway crossing.
Michael Fallon MP said: “Network Rail have apologised for the recent overcrowding at London Bridge station and the ensuing disruption. The train drivers should have been better informed and trained to cope with the new lay-out. I have insisted that they also improve the clarity and authority of passenger announcements, and move people more rapidly to less crowded areas.
“We face nearly two years of disrupted travel. Although the revised timetable has been trialled, I will be monitoring how it works in the coming weeks, and if there is further disruption I will be calling Network Rail back to answer questions.
I welcome Network Rail’s commitment to work with Otford Parish Council, local District Councillors and residents to secure the best option for a new and safer railway crossing. I have made it clear that residents’ views must be heard and taken into account before a final decision is made. I urge all local residents to attend the Public Information Event at Otford Village Hall this Wednesday 14th January (5-9pm).”
Over £950 raised at their Quiz in Otford recently. Many congratulations to all the Committee for a fantastic result! Everyone seemed to have fun too!